Nico Paz closest to getting Messi's number

Attention is turning within the Argentina national team to Nico Paz as one of the leading candidates to wear the number "10" shirt following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football, amid the new phase that the "Tango" team is preparing for after the end of their historic captain's era.

Nico Paz is among the top candidates to succeed Lionel Messi in wearing the iconic shirt, after the Argentine star left an exceptional legacy with his national team that spanned over 20 years, during which he won two Copa América titles and the World Cup, along with the Finalissima trophy.

Lionel Messi had announced during his farewell after the match against Benin that the time had come to end his journey with the national team, confirming that he would miss defending the colors of his country greatly. However, he emphasized at the same time that he would continue to support young players in the upcoming phase.

Nico Paz is part of the generation of players that the Argentina national team is relying on to build a new future, especially with coach Lionel Scaloni confirming that the team will continue its journey with a group of young talents following Messi's departure.

Lionel Messi has played 208 matches for Argentina during his historic career, scoring 126 goals and providing 70 assists.